President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary James Mattis at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia, U.S. July 22, 2017. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
FOX News: Mattis freezes Trump ban on transgender troops pending review
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Tuesday night that the Pentagon's current policy on transgender troops "will remain in place" while President Trump's directive banning transgender people from joining the military undergoes an expert study.
The move by Mattis allows transgender people to continue serving openly in the military while the Pentagon considers whether to discharge them in light of Trump's order.
In a statement, Mattis said that Trump's directive would be reviewed by a panel of experts from the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security.
"Once the panel reports its recommendations and following my consultation with the secretary of Homeland Security, I will provide my advice to the president concerning implementation of his policy direction," Mattis said.
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More News On President Trump's Transgender Ban Being Halted By Defense Secretary General Mattis Pending Review
Transgender members in U.S. military may serve until study completed - Mattis -- Reuters
Mattis allows transgender troops to serve as Pentagon studies Trump's ban -- Politico
Transgender troops in military can continue to serve for now, Mattis says -- CBS
Mattis: Transgender troops can keep serving pending study -- The Hill
Mattis Freezes Trump’s Transgender Ban Pending Further Review by People Other Than the President -- Slate
Trump's transgender ban halted by Defense Secretary General Mattis -- The Independent
Mattis announces panel to analyze transgender military guidance -- CNN
